2001 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 from North America - Comments

Rotors were warped when I purchased the vehicle. Dealer replaced them next day.

Low tire pressure light always coming on with full tires.

Horrible noise from front tires when turning.

Letters on stereo buttons are wearing off.

Temp gauge constantly reads cold causing service engine soon light to stay on. Had "clumpy" stuff in coolant and have had system flushed twice... still there. I've also had coolant sensor replaced. Service engine soon light still on. We hooked up a multimeter and everything is normal. We called dealership and was told it is probably the computer. Not a cheap part. Has anyone else had this problem?

Owned a Cutlass and a Lumina before this car and absolutely loved them. Thought the Alero would be the same. WRONG! My Alero was the first car I've financed (always had $1500 cars before) and now I am stuck with it having to put all this money into it. I LOVE GM, but am very unhappy with the Alero. I love the look of the car, but just don't have the kind of money to keep repairing it.

Hi there. I'm responding because I too own an 2001 3.4 L v-6 Alero. I put far more money into my 1996 (Ford) Probe, but that's beside the point.

I was told that front brakes last roughly 26K before they need replacing on GM's, especially Grand Am, Malibu and Alero models (regardless of the type of brake pad you use). I find this to be true.

I've also spent $350 four times on my front wheel bearings (both were replaced twice).

My struts have seized up on the top portion, which in turn makes a horrendous sound when turning -- almost like a boot or (CV) joint is cracked or breaking, and it throws the car out of alignment as well.

I drive in very harsh winters with a lot of snow and salt on the highways, and I put about 300+ miles on the car per week. As a result, my entire car is visibly beginning to rust, (another GM problem - metal or paint I was told), and my entire hood needs replacing as it is coming apart in chunks near the lip.

My starter has always been reluctant to catch initially, and I had a 6 hour repair job (I had a radiator intake leak -- probably due to rust) done and it involves taking apart the entire engine to access the area.

My radio, CD player, electric windows and seat, and lighting system have never given me any problems. (My lettering and numbers on the buttons are wearing off as well.)

Once I get the struts repaired (another $300), the car will be an extremely comfortable ride as Oldsmobile is always known for their sweet suspensions.

Here's my stats: bought the car (used) in 2002 with 26K (immediately needed new front brakes within the first week), and now (June 2006), I have 132K on it. So, not bad really compared to the Probe... by the way, can you take the key out of the ignition as it's running and not have any problem doing so?

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing problems with the Alero. I bought it's sister car (the 2001 Pontiac Grand Am) used in early 2003 with very low miles. As a mechanic, I am amazed that someone says it is "typical" to have to replace brake pads before about 80,000 miles. Unless you ride the brakes and tail-gate an awful lot, brake pads on these cars should easily go 80,000 miles or more. At 53,000 miles mine are barely half worn down (if that much). They are the factory pads that came on the car new. I have yet to encounter one single problem of ANY kind with my Grand Am. I have friends who have put 200,000+ miles on these cars with very little upkeep at all. One difference, however, is that mine is the old "quad 4", which is an incredibly rugged and trouble-free engine that delivers almost as much performance as the less reliable 3.4. Although the 3.4 gets almost the same fuel mileage as the 4's, it does seem to have more problems. My advice on buying any pre-2004 GM compact is to try to get the more reliable 4. You will hardly notice any difference in performance. I have raced a new V-6 powered G-6 (the Grand Am replacement) and left it in the dust (twice).

I own a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero as well. I have had several problems with this car.

I have had to replace the brake pads in front twice, and most recently the back brakes and rotors at 80K miles.

My check engine light is always on, I have paid a diagnostic fee three times at $100 each, only to find everything is normal.

My low coolant light constantly flashes at me even though my coolant levels are normal.

I would never recommend an Alero to anyone. It's frustrating to see my check engine light on and not know if something is actually wrong with my vehicle.

I see that I'm not the only to have the radio buttons fade. Does anyone know where you can order other than the dealer?